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| (left to right) Andrea Silva, Jovil Martin, Hon. Rupert Herbert and Deputy Prime Minister Sam Condor. |
Basseterre, St. Kitts (April 16, 2007): Residents of Old Road and nearby communities now have an additional resource to research topics, travel to different countries or worlds or enjoy a little personal time with the opening of a new library.
The library located in the Old Road Community Center opened on Thursday before a group of dignitaries including Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Sam Condor and Constituency Representative for the area Hon. Rupert Herbert.
Director of Community and Social Development Jovil Martin explained that books played an important part in shaping her character. She acknowledged that there was a decline in interest by young people in reading but explained that books are still relevant.
"I believe that libraries are as crucial to our survival as schools, hospitals, farms our any other institutions because they ensure that we need not learn lessons over and over again," she said, adding that the high 98% literacy rate in the Federation and modern technology results in the under usage of libraries.
"I don't think we can afford to do that anymore," Ms. Martin warned while imploring persons to make full use of the libraries and asked them to encourage others as well noting the cultural, educational and social offerings of the institution.
Minister Herbert told the gathering that as a boy he was very fond of reading and still cherished the memories created from some of his favorite books. He mentioned self confidence as one of the intangibles obtained from reading, adding that it is a safe alternative for idle hands.
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| Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Sam Condor tours library in Old Road Community Center. |
The constituency representative urged persons who borrow books from the institution to ensure they are not damaged and are returned.
"You must value the books because they are hard to come by," he stressed. "You may have computers, or you may not because they are very expensive, & but computers must not be looked upon as replacing books but as complementing them. For me, nothing brings alive a story like reading it from a book."
Minister Herbert thanked Andrea Silva, a volunteer with the United States Peace Corps and book donors including James Williams, St. Kitts and Nevis' High Commissioner to London, Gloria Bushell and family and Alphonso Thomas for their assistance in starting the library. He stressed that his government remains committed to people empowerment.
"The present government & has been working toward the empowerment of our people through education, health and social development because we believe that these are necessary in order for (residents) to develop into good productive citizens," Minister Herbert stated. "We are ahead in education and we want the young people to hold high the banner and make us all proud."~~adz:Right~~
